Updated: July 2025
Important Information About Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
You may have heard that a new weight loss injection called Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is becoming available on the NHS. This page explains how this treatment is being introduced and what support is available for weight management.
NHS England and NICE have approved the use of Tirzepatide, which you may also know as Mounjaro® or ‘the weight loss drug’, from primary care. You may well hear that Tirzepatide is available from primary care from 23rd June 2025. However, in the first two years entry criteria have been set by NHS England to a very small number of people. This is to allow safe entry of this repurposed medicine into the health system. Please only contact us if you are eligible
Key Points
- Mounjaro is not prescribed directly by GPs
- Access is only through a specialist NHS service
- Treatment is limited to patients with the highest clinical need
- Strict eligibility criteria must be met
Am I Eligible?
You must meet ALL of the following criteria:
1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
- 40 or above, OR
- 37.5 or above if you are from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean background
AND
2. At least FOUR of these five conditions:
✓ High cholesterol or triglycerides – diagnosed by blood test or currently on medication (e.g. statins)
✓ Type 2 diabetes
✓ High blood pressure (requiring medication)
✓ Heart and blood vessel disease – such as heart disease, stroke, heart failure, or peripheral vascular disease (excludes atrial fibrillation or valve disease)
✓ Obstructive sleep apnoea – confirmed by sleep study and requiring treatment (e.g. CPAP)
How Do I Access Treatment?
If you think you meet the eligibility criteria:
Contact the practice to discuss a referral
We will review your medical history to confirm eligibility
If eligible, we will refer you to the specialist NHS service
The specialist team will conduct a full assessment
If appropriate, you’ll be enrolled in a 9-month programme including:
Nutritional guidance
Regular medication reviews
Healthy lifestyle support
What If I’m Not Eligible?
We offer excellent support for weight management through various NHS programs. Please contact the practice to discuss this further.
Important Notes:
- GPs cannot prescribe Mounjaro directly
- Treatment decisions are made by the specialist service
- Wraparound lifestyle support is mandatory
- Not everyone who meets criteria will be suitable for treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro if I pay privately?
A: No, GPs cannot prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss, even if started privately.
Q: I’m already on diabetes medication – does this affect my eligibility?
A: If you’re on diabetes medication for Type 2 diabetes, this can count towards your eligibility criteria. Please discuss with your GP.
Q: How long will I need to wait?
A: The service is being introduced gradually. We will refer eligible patients, but there may be a waiting period.
Q: What if I don’t meet the criteria but want to lose weight?
A: We strongly encourage using the free NHS weight management programmes listed above. These provide excellent support for healthy, sustainable weight loss.
Before You Contact Us
Check your BMI using the NHS BMI calculator
Review your medical conditions – you can check these via the NHS App
Consider other support options if you don’t meet the full eligibility criteria
Ready to Discuss?
If you meet all the eligibility criteria above, please contact the practice to book an appointment for an eligibility assessment.
This information is based on current NHS England guidance and may be updated as the service develops.